Adelboden

The Adelboden ski area comprises of 5 domains. Three are lift-accessed from the town and the other 2 linked by an efficient bus service. Between them and other small local ski areas there are over 170km of runs, offering enjoyable skiing for beginners and intermediates. Experts will have to root around for off-piste and decent black runs. Most of the skiing is at fairly low altitude, but the slopes do hold their snow reasonably well as they are north facing. Adelboden also offers 2 half-pipes and one specialist park for boarders. The fragmented nature of the skiing is probably Adelboden's greatest disadvantage. The village itself is traditional, pretty and sedate. The scenery is a real plus, with Adelboden sharing the same range as Gstaad and Wengen. It is also a great spot for other winter pursuits, so non-skiers should find plenty to amuse. Après-ski is fairly quiet, with the majority being hotel-, restaurant- and bar-based. The ski school is adequate, but best suited to kids. Overall, Adelboden/Lenk is a great base for a ski touring holiday - if you have a car. If that's the case then most will have a variety of slopes to keep them occupied. It's a wonderful and typically Swiss environment from which to explore.